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The first definitive book that names the massive social movement of people leaving the church: the exvangelicals.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I was reading this book and decided to DNF it at 64%. There are some parts of this book that read like a memoir but then other parts of this book read like an NPR news article which makes sense that it reads like that because she’s an NPR journalist but I was expecting more of a memoir. I’m disappointed.

I didn't finish this book because it seemed more to me like the Donald Trump presidency was the only cause for a crisis of faith. I've heard many stories to that effect and it just didn't keep my interest. I was hoping for more information on the entire exvangelical movement and maybe interviews with other people within the movement, but if that was in the book, I didn't make it far enough to get there. The author seemed a little too naive and not self-reflective enough to hold my interest.

"The Exvangelicals" by Sarah McCammon is a thought-provoking exploration of faith, identity, and the complexities of leaving behind a fundamentalist Christian background. Drawing on her own experiences and those of others who have walked a similar path, McCammon provides a candid look at the struggles and triumphs of exvangelicals as they navigate their new lives outside of the evangelical community.

McCammon's writing is both engaging and empathetic, capturing the emotional weight of disconnection from a belief system that once provided a sense of belonging. The stories she shares are diverse and deeply personal, illustrating the various reasons individuals choose to leave and the challenges they face in the process. From grappling with feelings of guilt to redefining their spiritual identities, the journey of each person resonates with authenticity.

The book also delves into broader societal issues, examining how evangelical culture influences politics, gender roles, and personal relationships. McCammon's insights provide readers with a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding faith and the impact of leaving a tightly knit community.

Overall, "The Exvangelicals" is a compelling and insightful read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced a crisis of faith or is curious about the dynamics of religious belief. Sarah McCammon has crafted an important narrative that not only sheds light on the exvangelical experience but also invites reflection on the nature of belief and belonging in our lives. This book is a must-read for those seeking to understand the interplay between faith and identity in today’s world.

This was interesting, but it jumped around a lot and didn't give the depth I was hoping for. The most moving parts were hearing McCammon tell her own story, and I wanted more of that - from her and from others who have left evangelicalism behind. I also wanted a closer look at why people were leaving the church and what the triggering event was that caused it, as this info could be useful in trying to help others.

The audio was well done and McCammon writes compellingly about the evangelical church and the harms it causes in micro and macro forms.

This was so interesting as evangelical Christians seem to be everywhere in social media and the news. I came from a high demand religion that was not evangelical and was able to relate to a lot of the deprogramming that the author has had to do. She really helped personalize her story and share how she has moved away from this identity, though still understanding why people stay in it. I liked this memoir a lot, as it really gave me a peek into a different lifestyle and the judgements faced by those who leave.

A fascinating and personal look at why the Evangelical Church is diminishing in the United States. Author Sarah McCammon recounts events from her evangelical childhood, and how these memories intersect with her research on the modern evangelical church. As a journalist, McCammon weaves personal narratives with current events, historical moments, and the social landscape. Examining why so many young people who were raised by evangelical parents are no longer participating in that religious tradition, she identifies some major themes: rejection of anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, assertion of the equality of women, and a renunciation of other types of bigotry. This book is a must-read for anyone who grew up evangelical and is looking to define and articulate their experience, as well as those who wholeheartedly believe in this faith tradition who might find avenues to engage the disenfranchised.

This was a good book, great history of the evangelical movement, how it's foundations have been and continue to be rooted in misogyny and white supremacy, could have done wit more self reflection by the author.

I really enjoyed this memoir. Hearing Sarah’s story was very interesting, and it was very brave of her to share her story. If you have any interest in learning more about religious trauma and growing up with a conservative religion, I definitely recommend this audiobook. I really love how the author was the narrator because I think it helped the story be told the way it should with passion and authenticity.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was part memoir and part journalistic investigation into the exvangelical movement. It was interesting and tender and relatable in so many ways.

I loved the audiobook!

Thank you to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for an ARC of this audiobook.


I thought the cover and the subject matter were interesting for this book, and so I requested it as an ARC.

The author does a good job of telling her story of becoming disillusioned from the church she grew up in.

She did a wonderful job telling her story and reading this audio book.

In "The Exvangelicals" by Sarah McCammon, the author explores the journey of leaving the evangelical church, a path taken by many disillusioned former believers. McCammon, once deeply entrenched in the evangelical culture, reflects on her own upbringing and the complexities that led her to question and ultimately leave the faith.

The book offers a sensitive and honest examination of the issues surrounding evangelicalism, drawing from McCammon's personal experiences and interviews with others who have similarly transitioned out of the church. Through her humility and candor, McCammon fosters a dialogue rather than passing judgment, making readers who have grappled with confusion and disillusionment feel seen and heard.

While primarily targeted at those familiar with evangelicalism, the book also serves as an informative resource for those curious about the culture. However, its unflinching observations may be challenging for those deeply committed to evangelical beliefs.

McCammon delves into various sensitive topics, including the intersection of evangelicalism and politics, sexual identity, race, gender roles, and abuse, which may serve as triggers for some readers. Yet, she handles these issues with care and thoughtfulness, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of leaving the evangelical fold.

Overall, "The Exvangelicals" provides a compelling insight into the experiences of those who have left the evangelical church, offering empathy, understanding, and a platform for dialogue on a deeply personal and often misunderstood journey.

Narrated by the author, I thought Sara McCammon did a great job of conveying her story. I felt more connected to the story through her voice, especially as someone who is trying to understand the pull of Evangelicalism without ever having been religious. Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.

Important and comprehensive, the book provides both an overview of the exvangelical movement and a personal account of what deconstruction looks like for an individual, and the myriad ways... family structure, world view, friends, etc.... that it shifts a core component of who we thought we were. I think this would be a helpful read for people both in the midst of deconstruction and people who know others who are going through it. Accessible and thorough.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

"The Exvangelicals" by Sarah McCammon offers a relatable narrative of deconstruction for individuals who grew up within western evangelical culture. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, McCammon delves deep into the complexities of faith and identity, which is sure to resonate with anyone who has navigated a similar journey of questioning and growth.

Beyond individual experiences, the book sheds light on the broader cultural, social, and political impact of the evangelical church, examining the ways in which evangelicalism has shaped and influenced various aspects of society, from its role in shaping political ideologies to its impact on interpersonal relationships and community dynamics.

Overall, "The Exvangelicals" provides a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of faith, culture, and identity. It's a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the complexities of navigating belief systems within the context of modern society.

This was a very interesting and political memoir about people who leave the evangelical church. I was surprised that it felt more like an investigative or political book than a memoir, but I really enjoyed that. The examination of the influence of evangelicals in America was fascinating.

Still irritated with myself for not getting this review up sooner! Immediately upon finishing I had a copy secured for our library, and one for my home library. Five stars, all the stars! Somehow, some way, McCammon manages to touch on so many reasons that people journey/are journeying out of the (predominantly white) American evangelical churches and culture. Without being bogged down but still managing to pack so.much.stuff. into one title, McCammon is insightful, thoughtful, and reaches into the historical. Phenomenal work—thank you, Ms McCammon, for such a well-written, thoughtful book for fellow travelers.

My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

THE EXVANGELICALS by Sarah McCammon is a relevant resource for those wanting to either understand the recent exodus from the white evangelical church or to connect with an individual who can sympathetically relate, if that was your experience. This is an excellent primer, part memoir, part historical account.

Unlike some in power who want to castigate those who leave as doing so to spiral into unhealthy practices, McCammon understands the nuance of leaving due to hypocritical leaders seeking power over character. She articulates aspects of my own journey and thought processes. I continue to be a person of faith, but I felt a little spiritually homeless for many of the reasons articulated here.

This book also reads as a who's who in recent evangelical circles: Joshua Harris, Jeff Chu, Tyler Huckabee, Sarah Bessey, Rachel Held Evans, Beth Moore, Abraham Piper, Russell Moore, and others are referenced.

The audiobook is narrated by the author; people are often drawn to authors reading their own work, and as McCammon also worked as a journalist for NPR, she is well qualified to narrate her book.

(I received a digital ALC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

I didn't get a chance to read this before it was archived. Rating for the cover and description. Look forward to reading it when it is out.